Accra, Ghana – July 23, 2024
Students and staff at Hope College, a private senior high school in Gomoa Fetteh, gathered for an extraordinary outreach program featuring Dr. Rosemond Aboagye, Ghana’s only pediatric radiologist. Dr. Aboagye shared her inspiring life story, detailing her journey from humble beginnings as a kenkey seller in the slums of Korle Gonno to becoming a respected medical professional.
Growing up in challenging conditions, Dr. Aboagye recounted how, at just seven years old, she would sell kenkey to support her family. Despite her ambition to excel in her education, she faced significant obstacles. She shared a touching memory of how a friend’s father warned his daughter against associating with her, stating that she was just a “kenkey seller.” This experience highlights the social stigma she faced throughout her childhood.
As the eldest of five siblings, she was often expected to contribute to the family’s finances. Her immediate family struggled to support her education and even suggested she consider dropping out of school to help with domestic responsibilities. Nevertheless, she remained steadfast in her desire to become a medical doctor, a dream that fueled her determination.
Her journey took a turn when she gained admission to Ghana National College, an achievement that seemed overshadowed by further adversities. Dr. Aboagye recounted days when she would go hungry, begging classmates for food, and facing the humiliation of not having soap to wash herself or her clothes. During one particularly difficult period, she was expelled due to nonpayment of fees. In a brave act of resourcefulness, she borrowed money from a classmate to visit her father in Konongo in Ashanti Region, enduring five days of eating only seed yams without any accompanying stew or vegetables.
Life remained a relentless battle even as she made her way to medical school. She described periods of homelessness during her time at the University of Ghana, often sleeping in the dining area. “I had nowhere to lay my head,” Dr. Aboagye confessed, reflecting on the daunting challenges she had to overcome.
Today, Dr. Aboagye stands as a highly respected figure in Ghana’s medical field. Not only is she a senior specialist at Ridge Hospital, but she also gained international recognition as part of the surgical team that successfully separated the conjoined Bansa twins in 2022. She is the CEO of Rand Medical Imaging and Health Systems, located in Kasoa, helping to improve health care access within the community.
Her story resonated deeply with the students and staff at Hope College, which was established on October 1, 2012, and offers a range of courses including General Arts, Business (Accounting Option), General Science, and Home Economics.
Hope College Principal, Madam Joyce Odei, remarked, “Dr. Aboagye’s journey is a testament to resilience and hard work. She serves as a powerful role model for our students, showing them that no matter their background, they can achieve their dreams through determination and perseverance.”
Dr. Aboagye’s visit left an indelible mark on the attendees, who left inspired and motivated to pursue their own paths to success, regardless of the challenges they might face along the way.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
